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Photo by Ben Hanratty

Barry Can’t Swim, the musical project of Scottish DJ and producer Joshua Mainnie, experienced a meteoric rise to fame in 2023 with his debut album When Will We Land? The pressure to create an equally well-received successor was on, and his highly anticipated sophomore album Loner all but surpassed expectations; it solidified Mainnie’s position in the music industry as not just a DJ but a versatile artist who continues to push the limits of the electronic music scene sky high. The album features twelve tracks coated in rock, gospel, orchestral, and spoken-word influences, creating an authentic and personal project that brings listeners on the rollercoaster ride that is the last year of Mainnie’s life. 

Loner takes listeners on a journey spanning many different genres, yet it remains incredibly cohesive through its themes of reflection and introspection. At the beginning of opening track “The Person You’d Like To Be,” a woman declares: “There is nothing permanent except change,” a sentiment that echoes throughout the majority of the album as the tracklist weaves between club bangers and orchestral pieces that could soundtrack the ending scene of a movie. 

Mainnie leans into his roots as an acclaimed DJ and producer for much of the album. Tracks such as “Different” and “About To Begin” are carried by consistent drum patterns and basslines topped with blaring synths and repeated lyrical motifs. More melodic production is found in songs like “Childhood” and “Like It’s Part Of The Dance.” Gentle piano is featured in many tracks, a staple of Mainnie’s music that sonically ties this project to his previous work. 

Loner does an excellent job of diving into very personal topics while maintaining a fun, summery atmosphere. “Kimpton” in particular uses its mellow instrumentation, string breakdowns, and soft drums to create a wistful yet danceable anthem, almost like the bittersweet end of a perfect summer day. Other tracks like “All My Friends” and “Wandering Mt. Moon” are reminiscent of a gorgeous sunrise and the hope that comes with the beginning of a new day. The album reaches its emotional peak with “Cars Pass By Like Childhood Sweethearts,” which features darker sounding production and the repeated lyric: “She’s gone forevermore.” A few tracks later, “Childhood” depicts the pure joy of being loved with its celebratory and jubilant trumpets, taking listeners through the highs of Mainnie’s newfound journey of being in the spotlight. If Mainnie’s life over the past year is an ocean of change, Loner is the surfboard that carries listeners over every wave. 

The cover art of Loner acts as a visual representation of the overarching sonic and lyrical themes of the project. A humanoid figure covered head to toe in ribbons, prizes, and other accolades waits outside Mainnie’s door as he sits alone inside. Does he face the fame and the acclaim head-on, or does he hide in the comfort of his old, familiar life before his rise to popularity? The album art remains ambiguous, but that is the point – the distinction between Barry Can’t Swim and Joshua Mainnie remains blurry, a mystery for listeners to uncover through their own interpretations of the album.

Loner explores all of Mainnie’s mixed emotions in a poignant and refreshing take on dealing with stardom. As Barry Can’t Swim continues to play shows and festivals around the world, there is no doubt that Loner will only cement Mainnie as a force to be reckoned with as he continues to discover and evolve his unique artistic palette.